Serving Up Hope: How Corey Rhodes Brings Comfort to Cancer Patients
By: Shannon Kroskie Smith
Corey Rhodes’ mission to support local liver cancer patients and fund vital research began during his own battle with cancer in 2023. Diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer at age 28 in 2021, Corey committed himself to finding more effective treatments and improving patient comfort.
By early 2024, Corey felt more energetic and ready to make a difference. He started planning an event to raise awareness and funds with his mother, Gail, brother Gary, cousin Aleece Brown, and other family members and friends. As an avid golfer who participates in a summer league and tournaments, Corey chose to organize a golf outing. On July 20, 2024, 136 golfers attended the first Rhodes Cancer Benefit at Glengarry Golf Links in Unity.
“Seeing everyone come together for such a meaningful cause was truly special,” Corey recalled.
The event was a success, raising $30,000 in net profit. Corey donated $14,125 to help advance liver cancer research at the University of Pittsburgh under the direction of his liver surgeon, David Geller, MD.
With additional funds, Corey pursued another passionate initiative. During his chemotherapy sessions, he noticed patients brought packed coolers and lunch boxes for the long treatments. Wanting to provide comfort and encouragement, Corey proposed offering catered lunches to local patients.
After navigating logistical details with UPMC Hillman leadership, Corey arranged for weekly food trucks to visit UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Independence Health System in Greensburg, during lunch hours. Patients choose from a menu of meal options, with selections covered by Corey’s nonprofit. Even when patients aren’t feeling up to eating, Corey encourages them to order something to take home for later.
“It really means a lot to me to deliver these meals to patients, see their smiles, hear their stories, and share my own. It is very uplifting,” Corey said.
Additionally, to recognize UPMC Hillman caregivers, Corey randomly selects a nurse or staff member and gifts them a free lunch from the visiting food truck.
Corey’s generous spirit is contagious. Multiple patients and at least one food vendor donated to his cause. He and his team are planning a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on February 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bullskin Fire Hall in Connellsville, PA, and the second annual golf outing for the summer.
Despite continuing regular radiation and chemotherapy treatments to prevent his tumors from growing, Corey remains active. He works as an accountant, umpires local baseball games, golfs, and spends time with his family.
“I don’t let my diagnosis get the better of me. Many patients face even tougher situations,” Corey said of his cancer journey. “I focus on providing comfort to current patients undergoing treatment and enabling research to improve future treatments.”
Visit the Rhodes Cancer Foundation’s Facebook page @RhodesCancerFoundation to learn more about the Foundation and its upcoming fundraisers.